Microsoft has removed Facebook and Twitter apps with the latest Xbox 360 dashboard update, and sources close to the matter claim it’s so users will use the Internet Explorer browser on the console instead.

The apps are still listed through the Xbox Live website, but not through the app marketplace.

Existing users who have the apps installed can still load them up through console, but new users will not have access to the apps with the new dashboard.

The new dashboard update is currently in a “pre-launch” phase with the new system expected to roll out on October 23.